After a three-medal haul at the Australian Track National
Championships Kristina Clonan has earned a spot on the
Australian team for the 2016 Junior Track World Championships
in Aigle, Switzerland in June.

"It means everything!," said an ecstatic Clonan on her
selection. "Being selected and representing Australia has been
an ambition of mine since I started cycling.

"I am very keen to get back on the track and compete in
Switzerland in July."

The road over the past four years since switching from athletics in
2013 has seen Clonan make steady process on route to
representing Australia.

Having finished fifth in the omnium and individual pursuit
last year, while claiming silver in the scratch race and
bronze in the points race left Clonan just short of earning
selection as a first year.

After starting her track season with bronze in the omnium in
December, Clonan wasn't getting ahead of herself heading in to
the Track National Championships in February.

"I learnt from the omnium in 2014 that a lot can change
between omnium and nationals. I was quite happy with that
result at omnium but I knew that I still had a lot of work to
do leading up to Nationals."

Nationals were the final opportunity to impress selectors and
with the experience from last year Clonan was determined to
put her best foot forward.

"I had a chat to my coach, and if 2015 was any consolation, I
knew that I really needed to be in the top three or four in
the IP to be in the running for selection.

"Nick Formosa, my coach trained me hard in the lead up and he
gave me a really clear idea of what I needed to do and how to
do it," Clonan revealed.

Day two of nationals saw Clonan blast out of the start gate
setting the third fastest time in individual pursuit
qualifying of two minutes 27.084 seconds. A new personal best
and earning her a spot in the ride for bronze in the process.

"I was very happy with that time, my pacing was a little off
but I was scheduled for a 2:27," revealed Clonan who went on
to claim the bronze medal in 2mins 28.078secs.

"Jade [Haines] and Ruby [Roseman-Gannon] deserved their first
and second place both riding under 2:27, which is an awesome
effort from both of them, and I can't wait to ride with them
at Junior Worlds.

"I am quite happy with this years efforts, especially after a
bit of disappointment in 2015 coming fifth in the IP," added
Clonan who realises that making the team was just the first
step. "The hard work is yet to come, and I'm excited for what
is ahead."

It is not just Clonan's performances on the bike that have
improved but her enjoyment of the sport as well. "I think I
found balance in 2016, which helped me a lot and made training
more enjoyable.

"In 2015 I think I got so engrossed in training and numbers
that I forgot to enjoy it," explained Clonan showing
experience beyond her years.

Clonan's ambitions on the road will take a back seat in 2016
with opportunities on the track presenting her the chance to
race on the world stage.

"I had a few mixed emotions about Oceanias this year,"
explained Clonan who missed the opportunity to defend her
under 19 road race title.

"It was disappointing, especially almost breaking my phone
from pressing the refresh button so many times to view
results, but I think what I did was best," added Clonan. "I
was ready for a break so that I would be fresh for training in
the lead up to worlds."

While all roads lead to the boards in 2016, Clonan is not
completely forgoing the road this year. "I am doing a few NRS
races in the lead up to worlds. I would like to do Nationals,
but it all depends how it ties in with track as that is my
main focus."